Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito
Quito, Ecuador

Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito

Outty Ranking 57 4.0 · 1 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $83
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito worth booking?

Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $83 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4/5 (1)
Duration
8 hours
From
$83 per person

Quilotoa loop tour takes you for a full-day trip to hike in Quilotao Lagoon and its surrounding areas. Visit Saquisilí, Zumbahua and Tigua Villages. Drive through the unforgettable mountain villages settled on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Get close to the local community and farmers in the surrounding areas and experience enriching encounters with local culture. Join a group of fellow travellers and discover the beauty on the Andean landscape.

What you get

    About this experience

    Quilotoa loop tour takes you for a full-day trip to hike in Quilotao Lagoon and its surrounding areas. Visit Saquisilí, Zumbahua and Tigua Villages. Drive through the unforgettable mountain villages settled on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Get close to the local community and farmers in the surrounding areas and experience enriching encounters with local culture. Join a group of fellow travellers and discover the beauty on the Andean landscape.

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch
    • Transportation from Quito to Quilotoa and back (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY)
    • Guided Hike in Quilotoa Lagoon and visit to a local market (market place depends on day of the week)
    • Bilingual Guide

    Not included

    • Items/ activities not mentioned on the itinerary
    • Breakfast or other meals aside form Lunch
    • Gratuities
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Avenida De Los Volcanes

      Early in the morning, the trip starts by driving 89 km south from Quito through the Panamericana Hwy. aka “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”. The first stop will be Latacunga City at Cotopaxi Province. From this point, head west for a 1-hour drive through the unforgettable Andean scenery towards the village of Quilotoa. Visit a local town and get in contact with the Andean culture (either Saquisilí or Pujilí). Get the chance to mix with the rich Andean culture of the local community that inhabits the surrounding area by visiting either Saquisil, Pujili or Zimbahua Indian markets (depends on the day).

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Laguna Quilotoa

      The lovely town of Zimbahua comes right before we start hiking down towards the turquoise colored Quilotoa Lagoon. Trek around this natural wonder of water holding strong minerals, formed by the collapsed volcanic caldera. From the rim hike down towards the banks of the lagoon and then climb back up. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then stop at the small town Tigua famous for the Tigua art. In the late afternoon, head back to Quito. The weather in the area of the Quilotoa Lagoon is unpredictable so please bring warm and waterproof clothing. Quilotoa is located at 3,800 masl and the temperatures usually hovers around the 12°so we recommend acclimatizing at least one day prior to this trip. Please don’t make this excursion you first right after arriving Ecuador. The hike is easy and you need no climbing expertise, however, we do recommend to climb back up from the lagoon on a mule or horse (cost not included in the price of the tour). Swimming in the lagoon is not recommended.

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • 1 Traveler - Daily Departures

      Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for solo taveler can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

    • 2 Travelers - Daily Departures

      Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 2 tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

    • Thursday & Sundays Departures

      Thursday & Sundays departures are open and you will join a group (12 travellers max). Tour price will be less.

    • 4+ Travelers - DailyDepartures

      Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 4 or more tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

    • 3 Travelers - Daily Departures

      Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 3 tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Galapagos Tours Nature Galapagos & Ecuador

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • What to bring: Warm clothes, eaterproof jacket, gloves, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes, extra pair of socks, extra pants
    • Clothing Suggestions: Comfortable and warm clothes (appropriate for location). Comfortable hiking shoes, walking stick
    • Note: The tour is not private. Travelers will share services with a group. Maximum people per tour is 12

    Photos

    Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, photo 2Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, photo 3Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, photo 4Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, photo 5Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, photo 6Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    0
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    thebido · September 2018

    Quilotoa Lagoon

    Loved the stops along the way--the market and the visit with the traditional family. The trail down to the Lagoon was very difficult--deep sand, hot, very windy. I wish that we had been told about the actual Quilotoa loop, which was a trail at the top of the lagoon. It was hard dirt and offered the same great views. the ride there was beautiful. The guide was helpful and knowledgeable.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $83 to $294
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)12
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)84
    Listing quality (10% weight)70
    Local standing (8% weight)45
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.

    How much does Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito cost?

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    Prices start at $83 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito take?

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    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.

    Is Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Quito?

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    On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Quito?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Quito?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito?

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    Included: Lunch; Transportation from Quito to Quilotoa and back (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY); Guided Hike in Quilotoa Lagoon and visit to a local market (market place depends on day of; and Bilingual Guide. Not included: Items/ activities not mentioned on the itinerary; Breakfast or other meals aside form Lunch; Gratuities; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What booking options are available for Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito?

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    There are 5 options to choose from, including 1 Traveler - Daily Departures, 2 Travelers - Daily Departures, Thursday & Sundays Departures, 4+ Travelers - DailyDepartures. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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